"Old World Charm", 12x16, romantic settings, romantic restaurants, Chester County Pennsylvania, Fine dining establishments, Vickers Tavern, White Dog Cafe, Four Dog Tavern, historic restaurants

 "Old World Charm", 12x16

There's something so romantic about dining in a lovely setting, complete with candlelight, and a warm fire burning nearby. 

When I lived in Chester County, Pa., there were many historic old buildings that were converted to restaurants that had the kind of charm that made you want to fall in love all over again, even if it was only to love the sumptuous meal or the fresh flowers on the table.

My favorite restaurant in the beautiful area of Chester Springs, was Vickers Tavern, which has a rich history. From the restaurant's website we read:

"The building’s roots date back to 1823, when skilled potter and abolitionist John Vickers purchased the farmhouse. Vickers’ father, Thomas, was an abolitionist and one of the earliest and most active members of the Underground Railroad. He was one of the original members of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, formed in Philadelphia in 1777.

In 1823, John Vickers purchased five acres for $800 and constructed the building for a pottery business. Many enslaved people found sanctuary in the building, which later became Vickers Tavern, then Vickers Restaurant."

It was always a joy to go there and look for a piece of pottery to be taken home along with the remains of a delicious meal. The restaurant has since closed under the Vickers name, but is re-opening soon as another local favorite- The White Dog Cafe, which is another of my personal favorites and has locations in Wayne, Haverford and Philly.

Another favorite in the area that closed many moons ago was The Inn at Yellow Springs. With a rich history as a hospital for revolutionary war soldiers, it is known as the Washington Building in the tiny little enclave of historic buildings known as Yellow Springs. We lived nearby, and my son waitered there during his college summers, and would often come home with ghost stories of sightings and strange noises after hours.

Ghosts or not, I loved choosing that place to dine on anniversary dinners, birthdays, or what have you.

I've also painted the old building and you can read more about it's history here.

There were so many others that we would frequent regularly-The White Horse Tavern in Malvern, The General Warren Inn, Four Dogs Tavern in MArshalton, (which I've also painted) and so many others too numerous to mention.

What they all had in common was ambiance- Old World Charm, history, fresh flowers, fireplaces, mystery ghosts, and best of all- impeccably prepared food.

This blog post has reminded me of how much I miss Chester County, Pa. There is no comparison whatever here in Florida. Alas.....what started out as blog post about my painting, has turned into a trip down memory lane for me. I am definitely getting old!

If you are interested in this painting, feel free to email me at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

Thanks for visiting my blog, and if you are visiting historic Chester County, PA., I highly recommend these restaurants.